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Author’s Purpose

Students review author’s purposes—to persuade, to inform, and to entertain. Then they read the first chapter of Little Women to identify the author’s purpose in writing the text. Next, they identify different text structures that can be used in informational writing. Finally, they analyze a persuasive text and write one of their own.

This learning experience is designed for device-enabled classrooms. The teacher
guides the lesson, and students use embedded resources, social media skills, and
critical thinking skills to actively participate. To get access to a free version of the
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Teacher Pack

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In this experience, students review author’s purposes—to persuade, to inform, and to entertain. Then they read the first chapter of Little Women to identify the author’s purpose in writing the text. Next, they identify different text structures that can be used in informational writing. Finally, they analyze a persuasive text and write one of their own.

Objectives

Explain the author's purpose and message.

Analyze how the author uses text structure to achieve purpose.

Duration

Two class periods. You may choose to have the students read “Playing Pilgrim” from Little Women at home before beginning the experience.

Vocabulary Words Used in “Playing Pilgrim”

trotting: running around

fret: worry

tidy: clean

impertinent: rude

reproving: disapproving

tranquility: peacefulness

melodramatic: overdramatic, exaggerated

incantation: chant, spell

Authors have various reasons why they write things. As a reader, you have to look for clues in the text to figure out what that purpose was. In this experience, you will explain the author’s purpose and identify how the author used various text structures to help the reader better comprehend a text.

Objectives

Explain the author's purpose and message.

Analyze how the author uses text structure to achieve purpose.

Think about the last thing you wrote. What was it? Why did you write it?

Post your answer

Answers will vary, but may include:

Text message to my friend to share news

Notes for class/from a book

Essay for a class

Social media post

Discuss or point out the variety of reasons students write throughout the day.